Tour de France 2021: Full statement from the riders’s union after stage three crash controversy

The first sprint stage prompted a major backlash from the pros

Tour de France peloton at the start of stage three
Tour de France peloton at the start of stage three
(Image credit: Tim de Waele/Getty Images)

The professional rider’s union has released a statement after the crash controversy on stage three of the Tour de France 2021. 

Following a string of major crashes on the first sprint stage of this year’s Tour, there was a backlash from riders who raised concerns about safety out on the course. 

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Alex Ballinger

Alex Ballinger is editor of BikeBiz magazine, the leading publication for the UK cycle industry, and is the former digital news editor for CyclingWeekly.com. After gaining experience in local newsrooms, national newspapers and in digital journalism, Alex found his calling in cycling, first as a reporter, then as news editor responsible for Cycling Weekly's online news output, and now as the editor of BikeBiz. Since pro cycling first captured his heart during the 2010 Tour de France (specifically the Contador-Schleck battle) Alex covered three Tours de France, multiple editions of the Tour of Britain, and the World Championships, while both writing and video presenting for Cycling Weekly. He also specialises in fitness writing, often throwing himself into the deep end to help readers improve their own power numbers.  Away from the desk, Alex can be found racing time trials, riding BMX and mountain bikes, or exploring off-road on his gravel bike. He’s also an avid gamer, and can usually be found buried in an eclectic selection of books.